The Member of Parliament for Tano North, Dr Gideon Boako, has appealed to residents of Hwediem in the Ahafo Region to remain calm following a military swoop that led to the mass arrest and repatriation of several people to Kumasi.

He cautioned that the security response to the attack on NAIMOS and EPA officials should not evolve into “collective punishment” against innocent citizens.

In a strongly worded statement, Dr Boako said while he condemned any attack on state officials, the approach by the security services must remain lawful and measured.

“The sweep operation that led to a mass arrest without discernible, proper investigation is unacceptable. It risks punishing the innocent alongside the culpable,” he said.

He called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the incident to identify and prosecute the real perpetrators rather than targeting the entire community.

The MP urged the security agencies to halt the blanket arrest approach and instead uphold the rule of law in their operations.

Dr Boako reiterated his commitment to ensuring justice and peace in the Ahafo Region.

He reminded the public that violence is never the answer and that all sides must work together to protect lives, uphold rights, and ensure the fair administration of justice.